After public forum, county may delay vote on parolee center in Vallejo

Vallejoans concerned about the Solano County's plans to open a center for parolees may get another chance to learn more about it and make their sentiments heard.

Following Wednesday night's public forum on a "Day Reporting Center" for parolees, county staff will recommend that the Board of Supervisors delay action for more community meetings, one official said.

A Day Reporting Center would serve non-violent, non-sex and non-serious offenders who are released from state prison, and return to their prior residences in Vallejo. Ex-convicts would work with case managers and receive counseling, job training, GED courses and other services to help them avoid committing new crimes.

The project is tied to state prison realignment legislation designed to reduce jail overcrowding.

County supervisors are scheduled to consider the issue again on Dec. 4, but may postpone.

"One of the key things we heard from people is that they want to know more," Solano Public Communications Officer Steve Pierce said. "The recommendation will be to engage in more community meetings and bring people up to speed."

A board vote delay also would delay the facility's targeted opening in February, he said.

County Supervisors Barbara Kondylis and Linda Seifert, who both represent Vallejo, said they support a delay to allow for more public comment and education.

While many county officials believe the center is a good thing for Vallejo, not everyone yet agrees.

More than 100 Vallejoans gathered at the Solano County Fairgrounds on Wednesday to voice concerns and ask questions about the center slated for the county court and health and social service campus at 355 Tuolumne St.

Chief among the complaints is that few Vallejoans knew of the center until the item went before supervisors on Nov. 6.

"The fact that they went through a 1 1/2-year process and no one discussed it with the (Vallejo) City Council, city manager or the citizens is completely unacceptable," Councilwoman Stephanie Gomes said.

Likewise, Councilman Robert McConnell, who also attended the forum with Gomes and Councilman Bob Sampayan and other city staff, said many Vallejoans believe the center is being forced on them, and they should have more say.

The City Council may take up the issue Nov. 27 with members likely to outline what the city wants in exchange for such a facility, such as more funding for police and surveillance cameras, Gomes said.

Pierce said a second center could open in Fairfield once the Vallejo one is up and running.

Meanwhile, Solano Chief Probation Chris Hansen said there are enough parolees in Vallejo that it would not be likely those from other cities would come to Vallejo.

If approved and open, 75 parolees would be served at any one time, and be handled by three case managers.

County Supervisor-elect Erin Hannigan, who serves on the City Council until January, said she will support the concept of the Day Reporting Center, but only if it serves just Vallejo parolees. She said she also wants more details on housing, employment and other services parolees will need.

Kondylis and Seifert, plus many county officials, also said they were surprised many residents reacted so negatively to the center which they both perceive as a positive move for Vallejo.

Kondylis said the center could help reduce crime and the recidivism rate and give parolees tools to turn their lives around. It would operate near the county courthouse, and probation department where parolees already go to report, she added.

"I live in this town. I love it just as much as the next person. Any time you can do anything to reduce crime it's a good thing," Kondylis said.